Morell, PEI - Small craft harbours are vital infrastructure that support Canada's commercial fishing and aquaculture sectors, helping sustain coastal communities and local economies from coast to coast to coast. Together, Canada's fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing industries support nearly 65,000 jobs and generated $8.47 billion in seafood exports in 2025.
Today, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, announced the launch of Phase 2 of a major reconstruction project at Red Head Harbour in Prince Edward Island (PEI). This phase will see the complete reconstruction of the western wharf, improving safety, reliability and climate resilience for harvesters and harbour users.
The multi-year, multi-million dollar project will help ensure the harbour can continue to support the local fishing industry while creating jobs during construction.
This investment builds on the Government of Canada's commitment announced in the 2026 Spring Economic Update, to invest nearly $1 billion over five years to repair, maintain and modernize small craft harbours across the country. This funding will support harbour repairs, dredging, new construction and making harbour infrastructure more resilient to changing environmental conditions and extreme weather. Safe and reliable harbours are vital to the success of Prince Edward Island's fishing industry and the communities that depend on it. Investments like this will help support economic growth, strengthen the resilience of Canada's seafood sector and ensure harbour infrastructure can serve future generations of harvesters.
The fishing industry is central to coastal communities in PEI and across Canada; harvesters need safe and reliable small craft harbours. The funding announced in the 2026 Spring Economic Update will strengthen Canada's competitiveness and economic growth while supporting the communities that depend on these harbours. As Canada transforms from economic reliance to resilience, this investment will support local economic development for generations to come.
